The Director-General has welcomed the further steps by the international community demonstrating that it is poised and ready to assist with the removal of chemicals from the Syrian Arab Republic for disposal outside its territory. States Parties providing maritime support for this operation met in Moscow on 27 December and agreed on the modalities for coordination of the transport and escort vessels in Syrian territorial waters and at the port. The Executive Council is scheduled to meet next on 8 January 2014 to review progress.